Now that your child is all set to begin a brand new journey, chances are you'll find yourself as anxious as they are. It is a big change in your life as you watch your child get ready to leave. Rest assured that by letting your child go, you are giving them one of the most enriching experiences of their life. And to help you, here are a few tips to get you through this exciting, and sometimes overwhelming, time.

• Educate Yourself
  The best way to feel more secure about your child studying abroad is to do lots of research

  • Research the destination country, including its history, culture, customs, laws, social/ moral codes, dress and language.
  • Along with your child, learn a few of the local words and phrases.
  • Read all program literature and any available student accounts of studying abroad.
  • Never hesitate to ask questions of your child, the advisor or even a program administrator.
• Letting Go
  It is now time to let go. Start by mentally preparing yourself well ahead of time. Here are a few tips:

  • Allow your child to make the most of the study abroad decisions - be a guide, not a supervisor.
  • Give your child the information and resources he or she needs to make informed decisions.
  • Don't expect to hear from your child every day while he or she is abroad, and also try to avoid pressurizing your child into doing the same.
  • Talk with parents whose children have previously studied abroad and try to prepare for the emotions they say they experienced.
  • Remind yourself that this experience is best for your child.
• Packing
  Packing can be a great time for bonding with your child. Pack wisely to ensure your child has the essentials

  • Have your child walk around with packed bags to make sure he or she will be able to handle it once he or she leaves the house. Your child may be lugging that suitcase around for quite a while during his or her travels.
  • If your child wears glasses, get him or her an extra pair or two, particularly if they are prescription lenses.
  • If your child is taking any prescription medications, be sure to send him or her overseas with an extra supply and a copy of the prescription. Try to obtain a note from the doctor regarding your child's need for the medication, in case of any issues during the customs process.
• Communication
  Keeping in touch with your child will be important for both of you. Here are some ideas:

  • Establish a plan of communication with your child before they leave. This will help your child establish routine contact with you.
  • Blogs are an inexpensive way in which to keep in touch. Encourage your child to start a blog while away so that you (and any other family members or friends) can follow along with the adventures. You may consider starting your own blog to keep your child updated on what is going on back home.
  • Set up a Skype account for both of you as it is a cheap way to call each other. Alternatively you could check out various calling options from India and abroad. Calling cards are another cheap way to speak to each other regularly.
  • Both, child and parents, should have a set of emergency contacts with them at all times, including contacts from the school and program.
• Finances
  It is essential to teach your child to be responsible with their money while abroad. Devise a plan to make them realize the implications of their spending patterns.

  • Have your child manage some money on his or her own before departing.
  • Devise a financial plan with your child for the time he or she will be abroad. Write down the expenses you expect your child to have and make a column for "needs" and a column for "wants".
  • To limit spending and avoid lost money, teach your child to take money out of the ATM a little at a time. For example, on Mondays, have him or her take out the cash he or she will need for each week.
  • Do not convert a large amount of currency before your child departs. Provide a basic amount for the journey and let them do the rest when they arrive.
• Responsibility
  Help your child to enhance their sense of responsibility before they leave home. This will help put your mind at ease while they are away

  • Discuss financial, social and academic responsibilities with your child. Let him or her know that much of what is expected of them at home will be expected while abroad, if not more.
  • Encourage your child to resolve her or her own issues while abroad and step in only when necessary.
  • Have your child do the bulk of the study abroad research. This will not only empower your child, but will also teach him or her, the benefit of thinking ahead and analyzing what is best for them as an individual.
  • Let your child know that you trust him or her to make the right decisions while studying abroad.
• Return
  Just as you must prepare your child for studying abroad, you must also be sensitive to the possibility that your child could experience "reverse culture-shock" when he or she returns home.

  • Allow your child a period of adjustment when first getting home.
  • Students are used to being more independent, so take that into consideration during the first few weeks after the return.
  • Encourage your child to keep in touch with the people he or she traveled with and met while studying abroad. These connections are important and can last the rest of their lives.
  • Lend an attentive ear to your child when he or she gets home. They probably have a great deal of experiences to share, and it will be a terrific (re)bonding opportunity for both of you.